5 Hot Spring Resorts Easily Accessible from Yokohama by Public Transportation | Day Trips and Overnight Stays by Train
First, the conclusion:For minimal transfers, Yugawara is a good choice; for Hakone sightseeing, Hakone-Yumoto; for a combination of seaside and town walks, Atami; for a typical Izu overnight stay, Ito; and for a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) and historical sightseeing, Shuzenji is a good option. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are not treated as the same starting point; choose the station that best suits your destination.
When choosing a hot spring trip departing from Yokohama, it's easier to categorize them into two types: a short-distance option using the Tokaido Line from Yokohama Station, and a time-prioritizing option using the Shinkansen from Shin-Yokohama Station. We'll compare five options, considering not only the travel time in the search results, but also the travel time to the departure station, the final leg of the journey to the hot spring resort, and the return flight options.
Comparison table of 5 hot spring resort options departing from Yokohama
| hot spring | Especially suitable for travel | Estimated length of stay |
|---|---|---|
| The swansong of the swansong | People who want to combine hot springs and Hakone sightseeing using mountain railways and buses. | Day trip / Overnight stay |
| Yugawara Onsen | For those who want to minimize transfers from Yokohama Station and enjoy a quiet day trip or overnight stay in a hot spring town. | Day trip / Overnight stay |
| 熱海温泉 | People who want to enjoy the beach, shopping streets, and day trips to hot springs with short train rides. | Day trip / Overnight stay |
| Ito Onsen | For those who want to travel further along the Tokaido Line and enjoy the seaside hot spring town and the scenery of Izu for one night. | Mainly for one night |
| Shuzenji Hot Springs | People who want to enjoy strolling through bamboo groves and temple towns and staying overnight at a hot spring inn. | Mainly for one night |
Transportation times, express train operating days, and day-trip hot spring bathing reservations are subject to change. Please prioritize official information for your travel date and do not base your itinerary solely on fixed times.
Hakone Yumoto Onsen | For those who want to combine hot springs with sightseeing in Hakone, using the mountain railway and buses.
Public transportation from Yokohama
One option is to take the JR line from Yokohama Station to Odawara Station, and then the Hakone Tozan Railway to Hakone-Yumoto Station. Please check the Hakone Navi website, which provides information departing from Yokohama, for train schedules, transfers, and transportation within Hakone on your travel date.
How to choose between a day trip and an overnight stay
While a day trip is possible if you focus solely on Hakone Yumoto, an overnight stay is recommended if you plan to include Gora, Lake Ashi, Owakudani, and other areas. Since Hakone has separate train, bus, and cable car lines, decide on your accommodation's nearest transportation first.
JEPS Local Guide for Hakone Yumoto Onsen/Official information about Hakone Yumoto Onsen
Yugawara Onsen | For those who want to minimize transfers from Yokohama Station and enjoy a quiet day trip or overnight stay in a hot spring town.
Public transportation from Yokohama
From Yokohama Station, take the JR Tokaido Line to Yugawara Station, and then take a local bus or taxi to the hot spring resort. The official tourism website has train information from Yokohama Station, so check it to find the bus stop after arriving at the station and the return bus schedule.
How to choose between a day trip and an overnight stay
If you're only interested in bathing and a short walk, a day trip is ideal. If you want to enjoy the area around Manyo Park and the meals at your accommodation at a leisurely pace, an overnight stay is recommended. The walking distance differs between Yugawara Station and Okuyugawara, so please check the nearest bus stop from the name of your accommodation.
JEPS Local Guide for Yugawara Onsen/Official information about Yugawara Onsen
Atami Onsen | For those who want to enjoy the seaside, shopping streets, and day trips to hot springs with a short train ride.
Public transportation from Yokohama
This guide compares two ways to get to Atami: taking the JR Tokaido Line from Yokohama Station and taking the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Yokohama Station. It checks the train stops and fares, and also considers using local buses and taxis to reach accommodations with hills or the beachfront from Atami Station.
How to choose between a day trip and an overnight stay
A day trip is ideal if you focus on just visiting the area around the station and taking a bath, but an overnight stay is better if you want to enjoy a walk along the beach, dinner, and a morning stroll around town. On days when events like fireworks displays are held, transportation and accommodations tend to be crowded, so avoid making the same itinerary as on a normal day.
JEPS Local Guide to Atami Hot Springs/Official information about Atami Onsen
Ito Onsen | For those who want to travel further along the Tokaido Line and enjoy a seaside hot spring town and the scenery of Izu for one night.
Public transportation from Yokohama
The basic route is to go from Yokohama Station to Atami Station, and then take the JR Ito Line to Ito Station. If you plan to use an express train, check the stops, operating days, and reserved seats. If you plan to go to a tourist destination further away from Ito, combine it with local transportation such as Tokai Bus.
How to choose between a day trip and an overnight stay
If you're only visiting the hot spring town, a day trip is an option, but if you're also including Izu Kogen and the coast, an overnight stay or longer is recommended. Don't treat the area around Ito Station and the suburbs as being within walking distance; allocate separate time for travel between them.
JEPS Local Guide for Ito Onsen/Official information about Ito Onsen
Shuzenji Onsen | For those who want to enjoy a stroll through the town of bamboo groves and temples and stay overnight at a hot spring inn.
Public transportation from Yokohama
If the conditions for the Limited Express Odoriko are met, you can proceed from Yokohama Station to Shuzenji Station with minimal transfers. Another option is to take the Shinkansen from Shin-Yokohama Station to Mishima Station, then the Izuhakone Railway to Shuzenji Station, and finally a local bus to Shuzenji Onsen.
How to choose between a day trip and an overnight stay
A one-night stay is recommended from Yokohama. Since Shuzenji Station and the hot spring town are not in the same location, check the bus schedule from the station and the final check-in time for your accommodation beforehand. Spreading your town exploration between your arrival day and the following morning will give you more time to relax.
JEPS Local Guide for Shuzenji Onsen/Official information about Shuzenji Onsen
Use Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station
Yokohama Station offers easy access to Odawara, Yugawara, and Atami via the JR Tokaido Line, making it ideal for day trips where you want to minimize transfers. Shin-Yokohama Station offers options for Odawara, Atami, and Mishima via the Tokaido Shinkansen, but not all trains stop at every station. We will also compare the reserved seat fares and travel time to the stations.
You don't need to use the same station for your outbound and return journeys. You can adjust your itinerary to suit the train schedules and congestion on your travel days; for example, you could use the Shinkansen (bullet train) on the outbound journey to save time, and then use local trains for a more flexible return trip.
Differences from the Tokyo-based page
This page compares routes from Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station to western Kanagawa Prefecture and the Izu Peninsula. If you are departing from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station, the train and transfer options will differ.Guide to Hot Spring Resorts Accessible by Public Transportation from TokyoPlease use this. By separating the departure points, it becomes easier to determine the actual transfers needed even for the same hot spring resort.
Check the main road and the final section through the hot spring town separately.
Even after arriving at Odawara, Yugawara, Atami, Ito, or Shuzenji stations, it's not always possible to reach your accommodation or bathing facilities on foot. Check the locations and last departure times for local buses, taxis, and hotel shuttle services, and allow ample time for transfers after your train arrives.
For the return trip, work backward from the time you leave your accommodation, adding in check-out, luggage retrieval, and travel time to the bus stop. Using the second-to-last bus as your baseline makes it easier to adjust your itinerary in case of delays.
Conditions suitable for a day trip
If you can minimize transfers and narrow your post-arrival activities to either bathing or a short stroll around town, it's suitable for a day trip. Be sure to check the closing time for bathing, closing days, and whether towels are provided, and allow time to find a place to eat. Determine your return time, including transportation back to Yokohama.
Conditions suitable for an overnight stay
If you plan to use multiple modes of transportation within Hakone, travel to Ito and Shuzenji, or choose a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) with dinner included, a one-night stay is recommended. Spending your arrival day in the hot spring town or one tourist spot, and the following day enjoying a morning bath and a short walk, will help you avoid feeling rushed by train schedules.
Check your luggage and the slope first.
Hakone, Yugawara, Atami, and Shuzenji have areas with slopes and stairs. Don't judge walking distance solely by the straight-line distance from the station; check the elevation changes, pavement, and how it will be in rainy weather. Use luggage storage or delivery services at stations, information centers, or accommodations for large bags, and pack only valuables and rain gear in a small bag.
Adjust to the season and crowd levels
Trains, buses, and accommodations tend to be crowded during fireworks displays, autumn foliage season, and long weekends, and transportation in mountainous areas can be affected by heavy rain or snow. Check the transportation information the day before and on the day of your trip, and choose accommodations where you can be satisfied with hot springs, meals, and time spent inside the facility, even on days when outdoor sightseeing is not possible.
Basic model for a one-night, two-day trip.
- Day 1, morning:The tour departs from either Yokohama Station or Shin-Yokohama Station and travels continuously to the hot spring resort.
- Day 1 afternoon:I'll leave my luggage and either take a walk within walking distance or focus on one tourist spot.
- Evening of Day 1:I'll check in with plenty of time to spare for dinner and a bath.
- Morning of day 2:After a morning bath and breakfast, I'll take a short stroll around town before it gets crowded.
- Day 2, lunchtime:I'll depart on a flight that will get me back to Yokohama even if I'm one flight behind.
Pre-booking checklist
- Which station should I use, Yokohama Station or Shin-Yokohama Station?
- Limited express and Shinkansen train stops and whether reservations are required.
- Bus/Shuttle from the station to the accommodation
- Final check-in for dinner-inclusive plans
- Day-use bathing reception hours and closing days
- Luggage storage, uphill sections, and travel in rainy weather.
- Alternative return flight and cancellation conditions
FAQ
Is it possible to go to a hot spring resort in Yokohama for a day trip without a car?
Yes, you can go. Yugawara, Atami, and Hakone Yumoto are good options for a day trip, but make sure to decide on your bathing reservations, transportation from the station, and return train arrangements beforehand. Narrowing your purpose to either bathing or exploring the town will give you more flexibility.
How do you decide which station to use, Yokohama Station or Shin-Yokohama Station?
If you're traveling to Odawara, Yugawara, or Atami by conventional train, Yokohama Station is a good option. If you're traveling to Mishima by Shinkansen, Shin-Yokohama Station is a good choice. Compare the total travel time, including travel time from your home to the station, transfers, and reserved seat fees.
Which hot spring resorts are best suited for an overnight stay?
If you plan to travel to Ito or Shuzenji, or visit multiple areas in Hakone, an overnight stay is recommended. Accommodations with dinner included may have early check-in times, so please check your estimated arrival time.
When do you check the traffic schedule?
Please check three times: when booking, the day before your trip, and on the day of departure. Express and Shinkansen train stops, local buses, hotel transfers, and changes to services due to bad weather vary depending on the travel date.